Spin Combination lock vs Digital locking

This is becoming quite a popular question, I will however point out I am only speaking about the quality brand safe locks available. NOT the cheap nasty digital safes found in many hardware stores. So unequivocally the answer for me is 100% YES!

Digital locks are easier & more secure.

Way back when safes were first built the only option was a keylock. These were handmade works of art, alas the keys were big & bulky. Over the next 100 years safe doors grew in thickness. This was needed to stop of criminals. Slowly the need for a new locking system arose that was more convenient and the Spin combination Lock was born. This allowed multiple people to access the safe simply and easily. The precision and relatively high degree of accuracy of these new locks eliminated “surreptitious entry” or “manipulation” as it is known in the Locksmith industry.

The spin combination safe lock market was dominated by “Sargent & Greenleaf ” also known as S & G. This American company took mechanical combination locking to a very high level over many decades. The spin combination lock stayed in pretty much the same format until 1980.

This video clearly demonstrates the difference between digital and combination.

Alas in today’s modern society we are time poor and spin combinations require a modicum of skill and patience to use. So it wasn’t long before someone perfected a way to secure a safe and allow easy access using input data from a keypad. The Digital Safe lock has now developed into a robust, reliable and secure format. This format has become the standard for just about all safe manufacturers. One common misconception is that if the battery goes flat the code of combination will be lost forever. Not so, LaGard have developed their locks to use minimal voltage draw. They also have a “low voltage” warning that tells you to change the battery. If you ignore this warning it will eventually stop working but as soon as you change the battery (battery life is usually 2 to 3 years) it opens normally.

Yes but is a spin combination lock as secure ?

The other concern I often hear is “are digital safe locks more or less secure than tumbler locks ?” In short, yes digital’s are much more secure than spin combination locks. In theory it is possible for a skillful criminal to manipulate a spin combination and gain access to the contents of the safe. Whist this is possible it is EXTREMELY unlikely. It takes a thorough knowledge and much practice before even the slightest proficiency develops to a point where a criminal could open a safe in a reasonable amount of time. I am friends with one of the best safe lock manipulators in the industry and it takes him between 1- 4 hours to open a safe lock. There are some locks that even he can’t open and has to resort to drilling it.

That said the Digital safe lock has a penalty for incorrect attempts.

Once triggered this makes opening the lock very hard as it only allows 1 attempt every 5 minutes or 12 attempts an hour. It has even been suggested that some criminals will “clean” the keypad and then return using “fingerprinting powder” to reveal the numbers. This is also folly as even with the correct numbers they still must be put in the correct order or sequence. To negate this issue all you have to do is repeat a number.

LaGard, Sargent & Greenleaf have Digital safe locks that allow for multiple users, time delay, timelock, audit trail and even a duress option. This last option alerts the police that the safe is being opened under threat. These are options that mechanical locks simply cant offer. Servicing of safe locks has always been a source of income for locksmiths. But these days digital locks don’t require any servicing other than a battery check which anyone can do. Mechanical safe locks should be serviced a minimum of 5 years and annually where they are being used constantly.

We are happy to quote you on changing a spin combination over to a digital safelock. Send us an email, we will be happy to chat to you about it.

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Beeen chasing a particular brand of safe for ages. Nobody had them in stock and could not be bothered getting them in it seemed. Found it on sale @ KGB and decided to buy there and then. Contacted by Allison who was prompt in getting back to me about some minor cosmetic issues with the safe which didn’t worry me at all but she gave me a substantial discount for it which was greatly appreciated. Allison kept me updated through the whole process which was excellent customer service. Safe was delivered today by Wayne and Alex who were friendly blokes and worked to get it where I exactly wanted it. All in all was a great experience buying a product from these guys. Highly recommended and I will certainly tell anyone I know who is in the market for a safe to deal with these guys without question. Thanks KGB.

We used KGB Security and they installed a Hikvision and Paradox security system, They were very polite and Shane did a fantastic job, fast and effective. I would used them again they were very responsive, had it all installed in a few days and it works like a charm. I can highly recommend these guys

Kelly, Wayne, Gabriel and Alex were extremely helpful, giving me plenty of security advice, tips and tricks - not to mention a great price. Most importantly I'm very appreciative of the time they spent with me making sure my security problems were solved. I would highly recommend their service.

We have called upon KGB Security on multiple occasions ranging from Restricted Key Systems, replacing locks, recommendations and supply of suitable padlocks or door hardware. They have also been engaged to do lockouts for us which makes a tense situation easier when you have a professional company in attendance. We have no hesitation in recommending KGB Security and take this opportunity to thank admin staff and field staff for their prompt attention and support.

Great company to call in time of need. KGB are prompt, reliable, and do everything they can to make installation work seamlessly. Special mention to Kate and Alison in administration - what an asset to the company - easy to talk to and efficient with it. This is a company that does great customer service.
Highly recommend

Good group of people with excellent service. The whole team were a pleasure to deal with and the installation crew went above and beyond. I would recommend KGB Security to anyone needing secure storage facilities.

Really good bunch of Roosters. They opened a safe within a few minutes. As the job is for a business, they could of charged almost any amount of money, but they chose not to. Definitely recommend.
Cheers

I have been dealing with Kel for 5 yrs and have always had a first rate personalised service. I feel ever grateful for all your help and guidance when I needed it. And going out of your way to make sure my security needs are fully covered. Thanks heaps for your expertise and great service.

Great, prompt, professional service on a after hours lock out. Call answered quite late after numerous calls to many other supposed 24hr locksmiths. The locksmith arrived & sorted us out fast. Thank you so much. Highly recommend this business

I have used KGB for a number of years. I have been very disappointed recently with their complete lack of service and interest. I can only assume that there has been a change of management. Goodbye KGB
Following my disappointment with KGB the staff contacted me and sorted out my issues to my complete satisfaction.

I had to replace a lock on my safe, was able to collect it within a day, and best of all Cal sorted me for a very good deal, will definitely be using KBG Security for my safe upgrade in the future. Thanks

I had an issue with my safe I went on the Internet to find someone to help me
I found KGB security I didn’t realise I had rung a Brisbane company as I live in Sydney but it didn’t matter because Kel was more than happy to help me
He stayed on the phone and went through all the steps to fix my issue with my safe
Thank you
Kerry

I had the week from hell recently and to top it all off I lost my house keys down an elevator shaft. I rang another company who promised to meet me at a specific time and then showed up 50 minutes late. No apology just a couple of grunts. Well he tried opening the lock for 40 minutes and when I hinted he was having a tough time he promptly walked off leaving me dismayed and dumb founded...what the.
I rang 10 locksmiths all advertising "prompt service" and all either did not answer or had switched off their phones. I eventually called KGB and the man who answered assured me his locksmith A would turn up and B would be able to open the door. 45 mins later he arrived and another 10 mins the door was open.
I asked him why the other guy couldnt open the door and he was very diplomatic and almost humble. In fact he explained in great detail why my lock was a tough one. Long story but a huge shout out the KGB Team. Thanks a bunch Jarrod :)

I recently wrote an unflattering review of the service at KGB. I wish now to revise my rating to 5 stars. It was a communication problem that was responsible for the lack of response I initially experienced. Once that was sorted out my requirements were attended to with the usual good service and attention to detail that I have received from KGB over many years.

Purchased a new safe and was at a good price. Very heavy duty and was what I was after. Had great service and were knowledgeable on the products. all seem like a really good bunch of people working there.

Thank you to Rhiannon for assisting over the phone with as much information as possible and to Paul, the locksmith who attended the property. He was very thorough and knowledgeable and happy to assist with my queries. Very helpful and professional.

Dealing with KGB has been amazing and that's why we continue to do business with them. We needed something to be done urgently and Rhiannon made it easy and stress free. She made you feel like your job was at high priority. Great job Rhiannon!

When you're leaving for work and hear the click of your door lock behind you and you realise you've left your keys inside is not a good feeling. However, if you live near KGB Rocklea there's no need to worry. Thanks to Rhiannon for being so friendly, accommodating and understanding the urgency of the situation. She sent a technician (Martin) to my home very briefly after our conversation. 5 stars. I highly recommend!

Had a last minute need for a call out before an Open House! The booking co-ordinator dealt with my urgency very well, and had a person out the next morning. They arrived on time, and quickly solved the case of the lost keys. Very professional, friendly guys who got the job done in no time. No hesitation in recommending and giving 5 stars.

I embarrassingly locked myself out of my house when a door closed whilst I was getting washing in!! I cannot thank Kel and Matt enough for their wonderful service!!!! Very understanding and incredibly efficient. I highly recommend KGB!!

My safe would not respond to the combination so I called KGB Security. They sent around a very helpful young man, David, who pulled the door to pieces, fixed the jammed mechanism, restored it to working order and then ensured I understood the combination clearing and setting process. Meanwhile I picked his brains and he chatted happily away providing all sorts of advice on safes. This company (KGB) sticks by their products. Their staff are courteous, knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend KGB.